England vs Wales Tactical Breakdown: Craig Bellamy's Fresh Style Explained
The Welsh national team have altered their style of football under Craig Bellamy.
When comparing the previous manager's final 12 games as coach with Craig Bellamy's first 12 games leading Wales, a noticeable shift is a strategic change prioritizing possession and controlling matches with the ball.
Under Robert Page: High-Energy Play
During Page's tenure, The Welsh high-energy approach was based on pressing aggressively off the ball, particularly in wide areas, typically using a fluid 3-4-3 formation for direct attacks.
Craig Bellamy's New Direction
Bellamy has consistently employed a four-man defense, urging the squad to hold the ball and construct offensive moves with greater patience.
Statistical Shifts
The change in approach has resulted in a significantly increased possession rate, a higher tally of passes and a slight reduction in how regularly they give the ball away in attacking areas.
The team also shows a higher expected goals tally since Bellamy took over.
Main Talking Point
Can Bellamy's approach give Wales a better opportunity of beating England?
The new approach under Bellamy represents a notable shift from the old system.
- Higher possession rates
- More patient build-up
- Fewer losses in advanced areas
- Better xG numbers
